It’s easy to steep a cup of tea and enjoy a yule-flavored blend in your kitchen. But how about kicking it up a notch for the holidays by attending a Christmas tea? Several San Diego teahouses offer special holiday teas for you and your kiddos to enjoy. There’s everything from fancy teddy bear teas to simple afternoon sippings. Make your reservation now and start a new family holiday tradition your kids will love.

Photo: Leah Singer

Teddy Bear Tea by the Sea
If you’re looking for a very special way to spend the afternoon with your little one and her favorite teddy bear, you won’t want to miss this memorable afternoon at L’Auberge Del Mar. Families are invited to this complimentary sneak preview of the resort’s much-loved L’Tea by the Sea program. The only cost of admission is a teddy bear that will be donated to Rady’s Children’s Hospital. You and your little one can sip hot cocoa and specialty teas and try holiday cookies. After the tea, head outside for a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa, carolers and arts and crafts. You can also sample mulled Cider and holiday cake pops and squash soup shooters. It’s a day not to be missed!

When: Sun., Dec. 6, 3 – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free — Don’t forget a teddy bear to donate!

L’Auberge Del Mar
1540 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, Ca 92014
858-259-1515
laubergedelmar.‌com

Grand Tea Room
One of San Diego’s newest teahouses, The Grand Tea Room is located in Escondido and offers a Grand Tea, Garden Tea, and Kid’s Tea. The Grand has decked its halls for its Christmas teas and is serving festive desserts and holiday-themed beverages as well. Be sure to visit the gift shop, which contains several tea accessories and loose-leaf teas for your own tea parties at home.

Date: Tuesday – Sunday in December; 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Cost: $26 – $29/adult, $18/kid

145 W Grand Ave.
Escondido, Ca 92025
760-233-9500
Online: thegrandtearoom.com

Photo: Leah Singer

Westgate Hotel Teddy Bear Tea
What kid doesn’t want to have tea with their favorite teddy bear? The Westgate Hotel’s famous teddy bear holiday tea will give your little one a magical afternoon tea she will always remember. Teas include fresh house-made canapés and paninis, assorted pastries, tartlets, brownies and scones, and many other treats. Moms can enjoy a delicious sampling of a truffle corque monsieur and house smoked sturgeon and caviar while little tea-goers dine on more kid-friendly options including peanut butter and jelly on brioche and grilled cheese. After tea time, kids enjoy comfortable pillow seating in the Grand Lobby while watching an entertaining show by Santa’s magician friend. The magic continues with a reading of an all-time favorite Christmas classic, narrated by Santa Claus himself, followed by a special personal moment with Santa and a teddy bear.

When: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 18 – 23; 2:30 – 5 p.m.
Cost: $45/adult, $30/kid (tax and gratuity additional)

1055 Second Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92101
800-522-1564
Online: westgatehotel.com/events-promotions/special-events/teddy-bear-teas-christmas

Teddy Bear Tea at the Hotel Del Coronado
Enjoy the beauty of the decorated Hotel Del Coronado Ballroom during a special tea party experience with a favorite teddy bear. Kids will also enjoy hot chocolate, cookie and cupcake decorating, a craft table, live entertainment and story time with Mrs. Claus and North Pole elves. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear for donation to Toys for Tots (bears will also be available for purchase). A portion of the tea proceeds will also be donated to the charity.

When: Dec. 20, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $56/adults; $29/kids ages 6-10; Free/kids under 5

Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, Ca 92118
800-468-3533
Online: hoteldel.com/activities/coronado-events

Photo: Kitty W. via Yelp

The AubreyRose Tea Room
Nestled in the heart of the La Mesa Antiques district, The AubreyRose is full of ambiance, Christmas cheer, and tasty treats. The holiday teas feature a seasonal menu, of which guests can select a 4- or 5-course menu. Egg nog and Christmas blend tea are also served. Food can be made vegetarian and gluten free.

When: Nov. 25 – Jan. 3; times vary by day
Cost: $15.95 – $33.95 (prices range by tea service ordered)

8362 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, Ca 91941
619-461-4832
Online: theaubreyrosetearoom.com

Julian Tea and Cottage Arts
This teahouse has been hosting Victorian Christmas Teas for 20 years. The seasonal set menu includes a finger sandwiches, savories, tea breads, scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, and a selection of seasonal desserts. There’s also a special kid’s menu, and they can prepare vegetarian and gluten free versions of the holiday tea with advance notice.

Dec. 5 – 23; 11:30 am, 1:15 pm, 3 p.m.
Cost: $26.95/adult; $12.95/kid (excluding tax and gratuity)

2124 Third St.
Julian, Ca 92036
866-765-0832
Online: juliantea.com

Photo: kzinn via Morgufile

Coral Tree Tea House
This Victorian teahouse is located in Old Town’s historic Heritage County Park and features a generous array of delicious savories, tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and decadent desserts. Coral Tree Tea House offers guests the following choices: Queens High Tea, Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, and a Princess Tea. The holiday teas include cranberries scones, nuts, chocolate, gingerbread, and the featured tea flavor is creme brûlée. If you’re looking for an especially lovely event, book a space for Teat with Mrs. Santa on Dec. 20. Guests will enjoy a special peppermint and gingerbread oriented menu, and Mrs. Santa will visit and give out trinkets to the kids.

Date: Thurs. – Sun, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $24.95-29.95/adult, $16.95/kid

2490 Heritage Park Row
San Diego, Ca 92110
619-291-5464
Online: coraltreeteahouse.com

Tea-Upon-Chatsworth
This Point Loma tea cottage is an English-style neighborhood tea room that features a seasonal menu along with a premium tea list. Their tea services include High Tea, Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, Cinderella/Kid’s Teas, and Holiday Teas. Holiday tea reservations are strongly encouraged. And if your little one needs some lessons in manners, be sure to ask about kid’s etiquette classes.

Date: Thurs. – Sun., 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Prices vary (see website)

2180 Chatsworth Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
619-858-2848
Online: cu4t.com

Have you ever celebrated the holidays with a Christmas tea? Tell us about it in the comments!

— Leah R. Singer

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